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BMW M3

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Expert Rating

BMW M3

(2021 - present)

    Summary


    The BMW M3 Competition is a high-performance saloon based on the regular 3 Series range. It is the latest in a long line of performance 3 Serires models that dates back to the mid-1980s.

    Now in its sixth generation, the BMW M3 has been only produced as a four-door saloon since 2014, coupé and convertible variants being rebranded as the BMW M4. However, an estate version (the BMW M3 Touring) will join the range for the first time later in 2022.

    Here in the UK, we only get the M3 Competition model, which is powered by a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 510hp and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. While previous generations were always only offered in BMW’s traditional rear-wheel-drive format, the latest M3 is also available in an all-wheel drive configuration (which is called ‘xDrive’ in BMW jargon).

    The M3 has had a very positive reception from the British media since its arrival at the start of 2021, with all of the reviews we track commending the saloon for its impressive performance despite this latest generation being heavier and bulkier than its predecessors.

    What Car?, among others, praises the M3 for its ride comfort and premium interior trim, as well as its “staggering pace and grip”. Auto Trader concludes that the saloon’s blend of performance and practicality makes it the most appealing M3 iteration to date, while Carwow sums up its review by calling the M3 “nothing short of sensational to drive”.

    Beyond the polarising grille designs that BMW is rolling out across its entire ‘M’ range, there have been very few criticisms of the M3 beyond the expected quibbles over price and that ride comfort is compromised in pursuit of handling – which any prospective customer is likely to expect anyway.

    Nevertheless, most reviewers would recommend the BMW M3 over any other performance saloon its class, including the Mercedes-AMG C63 and Audi RS 4. Only the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is generally considered to be on a par with the M3 saloon.

    As of February 2023, the BMW M3 holds an Expert Rating of 84% from 15 published reviews, which is the same as its sister model, the M4. This score may shift up or down once the estate version is launched in the UK later this year.

    M3 highlights

    • Thrilling performance
    • Comfortable and practical cabin
    • Agile handling and body control

    M3 lowlights

    • Very expensive compared to the regular 3 Series
    • Polarising front-end styling
    • Alternatives have more interior comfort

    Key specifications


    Body style: Four-door sports saloon
    Engines: petrol
    Price: From £75,660 on-road

    Launched: Spring 2021
    Last updated: Summer 2021
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Car

    +

    Car Keys

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

    +

    Evo

    +

    Parkers

    +

    The Sunday Times

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

    +

    Which?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: July 2019
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 97%
    Child protection: 87%
    Vulnerable road users: 87%
    Safety assist: 76%

    The BMW M3 Competition shares its safety rating with the mainstream BMW 3 Series saloon, which was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2019 and awarded a five-star rating.

    The M3 comes with a number of safety features as standard, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    No eco rating

    As of February 2023, the BMW M3 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. We’re not expecting it to be tested anytime soon.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW M3 has received

    2020

    • Top Gear Car Awards – Most Anticipated Car

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the BMW M3, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio | Audi RS 4 | Audi RS 5 | BMW M4Ford Mustang | Jaguar XE Project 8 | Lexus RC F | Mercedes-AMG C63 | Nissan GT-R

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    Exciting yet focused, the BMW M3 is regarded as one of the best sports saloons money can buy and more than lives up to its famous name.BMW M3